| For many people, karate refers to one style of martial | | | | through the use of supplemental exercise. |
| arts. In their minds there is little distinction made | | | | A key component of Goju-ryu karate is the use of a |
| between karate and Chinese martial arts such as | | | | combination of hard and soft strikes and blocks. It is |
| Jujitsu, and Tae Kwon Do. Those who study karate | | | | characterized by the use of sof blocking techniques |
| will be quick to tell you that there are many significant | | | | and hard striking techniques to deflect oncoming |
| differences. First, karate does not refer to one style of | | | | attacks, rather than attempting to meet the attack |
| martial arts. Instead, it is a family of several different | | | | head on. It also uses soft techniques against hard |
| styles of martial arts. Second, although its tradition is | | | | targets (such as palm of the hand against a hard |
| rooted in the Chinese martial arts, Karate was | | | | target like a head), and hard strikes against soft |
| developed in Okinawa, Japan. | | | | targets (such as a hard kick to a soft groin). |
| One of the four styles of Okinawan karate is Goju-ryu. | | | | A great deal of the philosophy of Goju-ryu karate has |
| The name means "school of hard/soft (Goju = hard | | | | many similarities to other forms of martial arts. |
| soft, Ryu = school). The name refers to a technique | | | | Courtesy and respect are at the core of Goju. It is |
| that combines hard and soft techniques, depending on | | | | only to be used in serving justice. It is a means of self |
| the target that is being struck. | | | | defense, and should never be used to initiate an attack. |
| Goju-ryu Karate was founded in the early 1900's by | | | | Students are encouraged to constantly practice to |
| Chojum Miyagi (1888 - 19530). Miyagi was a student of | | | | improve themselves both mentally and physically. It is a |
| Chinese kung fu masters. He studies a style known as | | | | practice of keeping the mind calm, and being totally |
| White Crane Kung fu. When Miyagi came to Okinawa, | | | | aware of their opponent; noticing and anticipating every |
| he used his kung fu training to develop the Goju-ryu | | | | move their opponent makes. It also stresses the |
| style of karate. The knowledge was passed down | | | | importance of the unity of the mind and the will. Merely |
| from Chojum Miagi to Anichi Miyagi, and then to Morio | | | | knowing what to do is never enough. Without the will |
| Higonna. This direct line leads students of Goju-ryu to | | | | to act on that knowledge, the knowledge is useless. |
| believe that it preserves the purity of the art. It has not | | | | The final component of Gojuryu karate's philosophy is |
| become diluted like many of the older forms of martial | | | | that force should be used as a last resort. Any means |
| arts. | | | | to avoid a conflict should be used before resorting to |
| Experts consider Goju-ryu to be a highly effective | | | | force. It is a philosophy that stresses that the very |
| fighting system. Unlike other forms of martial arts that | | | | best defense is to avoid situations where force is |
| have become popular as sports. Goju-ryu is more of a | | | | necessary. |
| practical system of self defense. Students learn a | | | | Goju-ryu karate has a rich tradition, and provides the |
| variety of hand and foot techniques that use a | | | | student the opportunity to improve themselves not only |
| combination of circular and linear movements. | | | | physically, but also mentally. |
| Strengthening the body and mind is emphasized | | | | |